Grant Abston, Author at The Optimist

Cats Clip Cardinals: Wildcats win first game 5-2 in extra innings

February 6, 2009 by Grant Abston

By Grant Abston, Sports Editor Led by shortstop Willie Uechi and junior college transfer Travis Latz, the 11th-ranked Wildcats opened the 2009 season with a 5-2 win in extra innings against Incarnate Word Tuesday afternoon. Relief pitchers Kevin Justice, Cameron Aspaas and Brad Rutherford combined to allow just four hits after starting pitcher ... [Read More…]

Starting Strong: Wildcats win season opener in extra innings

February 4, 2009 by Grant Abston

By Grant Abston, Sports Editor Led by shortstop Willie Uechi and junior college transfer Travis Latz, the 11th-ranked ACU Wildcats opened the 2009 season with a 5-2 win in extra innings against Incarnate Word Tuesday afternoon. After Incarnate Word tied the game at two in the bottom of the fifth inning, neither team managed a run until ACU broke ... [Read More…]

High Expectations: ACU begins season ranked No. 11 in Division II

January 30, 2009 by Grant Abston

By Grant Abston, Sports Editor Despite losing two all-America players and perhaps one of the best pitching staffs in ACU's history in 2008, the Wildcat baseball team will look to build off last year's success, which saw ACU win the Lone Star Conference regular-season championship as well as earn a bid back to the South Central Regional ... [Read More…]

Former ACU players sign with Ruff Riders

January 23, 2009 by Grant Abston

By Grant Abston, Sports Editor Six former ACU football players will get a chance to continue their career next season after the Katy Ruff Riders relocated, bringing the Indoor Football League to Abilene. Greg Yeldell (DB), Regis Andrez (OL/DL), Chris Morris (WR), Brandon Henry (DB), Greg Crear (DB) and Matt Raesner (OL) will join the 30-player ... [Read More…]

The Best Back: Running back Bernard Scott wins Harlon Hill Trophy

January 16, 2009 by Grant Abston

By Grant Abston, Sports Editor After coming up short a season ago, running back Bernard Scott aimed to leave no doubt in voters' minds to whom deserved the Harlon Hill Trophy this season. And it worked, as Scott became the 19th player to win the award on Dec. 12 at the 23rd annual awards dinner at the Florence Convention Center. Scott became the ... [Read More…]